Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23-24: This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.


Meditation: Men today tend to show off their gadgets. “Oh, look at my new iphone!”, one says. Another declares his Blackberry to be better. For us older guys, it may not be the electronic toys; it may be the expensive car or golf clubs. Or it may be about the promotion, the job, or what we achieve. It may be about our ministry or our degrees. Some men may not boast openly, but may quietly put others down by their knowledge or demonstrate the power or “connections” they have. One way or another, it seems that we just have to puff ourselves up, but the Lord has something to say to us about this.

Our passage today says that we are not to boast about the wisdom, strength, or riches - I think we can add in here toys also – we have, but we should only boast about this: that we understand and know God – the God who is kind, just and righteous. Men, we tend to think our lives are about us – they are not! We need to boast of the Lord, of His greatness, not ours. What greatness do we have? Even if we have wisdom, strength or riches, it all comes from the Lord. As the Psalmist writes; “My soul will boast in the Lord, let the afflicted hear and rejoice.” When we boast of the Lord, people will be blessed and drawn to Him. Boasting of ourselves may bring us the esteem of men (more likely, envy), but boasting of the Lord brings His delight.

Challenge: What do you boast of? What you’ve accomplished in life, business or ministry? Do you tend to show off your nice things? Or the knowledge or power you have? Boast of the Lord – of His kindness, His justice, His righteousness, His power, His greatness.

Thought for the Day: Lord, help me to boast in You and You only. You are worthy of all praise, honor and glory.
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E-votion, a weekly electronic publication by Chris Garner. Pass this message along as desired.